Sociology and social work

Client perceptions of incest and substance abuse

Article Abstract:

The attitudes and perceptions of victims of incest who were addicted to alcohol or drugs have been examined. The study showed a link between past incest and the development and maintenance of substance abuse for some clients. However many substance abuse treatment facilities do not address incest as a substance abuse treatment issue, and it is important that facility staff should establish referral relationships with incest treatment professionals.

A study of clients entering substance abuse treatment, assessed structural and psychological variables, alcohol/drug use and perceived coercion. Several mandated clients did not report being coerced into treatment, while many self-referrals did. Substance dependence did not contribute to the predictability of perceived coercion. The results are inconsistent with the idea that coercion could be inferred from source of referral.

Research is presented concerning the analysis of the behavioral characteristics of 155 undergraduate students in relation to drug abuse, sensation-seeking and risk-taking. Questionnaires were used in the analysis.